As the weather cools, Tanglewood Resort becomes the perfect autumn retreat.

Just 90 minutes north of Dallas, this scenic escape offers a tranquil break from city life. Whether planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway, Tanglewood Resort provides a refreshing experience with its stunning lake views and a range of amenities designed for relaxation and enjoyment.

Upcoming Events

Tanglewood Resort has a lineup of exciting seasonal events that add to the charm of your stay. Festive holiday celebrations and hands-on culinary experiences are just a few happenings occurring throughout the rest of the year. 

• Oktoberfest Specials (9/21-10/6): Savor delicious German food and enjoy a $5 draft beer.
• Couples Cooking Class (10/26, 5-6 p.m.): Join us at Lakeside Lounge for a charcuterie board-building session with two wine pairings ($125 per couple).
• Thanksgiving Buffet (11/28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.): Celebrate the season with our annual festive buffet.
• Breakfast with Santa (12/4): Enjoy festive specials like Reindeer Pancakes and Snowman Pancakes, and capture memories with photos with Santa.

Luxury Villas

Tanglewood Resort’s luxury villas offer a perfect blend of comfort and elegance for an elevated stay. The standout option is the Two-Bedroom Villa, a spacious 1,500-square-foot retreat designed for up to 8 guests. This villa combines the One-Bedroom Master Villa with the Double Villa, creating an open two-bedroom layout with private spaces for added flexibility.

Special Features:

• King bed
• Garden jacuzzi tub
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Dining area for 6
• Living room with a fireplace
• Washer/dryer
• Additional half bath in the hallway
• Private balcony

The adjoining Double Villa includes:

• Kitchenette
• Two queen beds
• Full-size bathroom
• Private balcony

During my stay in the villa, I was struck by the spacious and homey feel of the accommodations. The garden jacuzzi tub was a highlight, offering a relaxing soak after a day out on the lake. The beds were incredibly comfortable, making it hard to leave the cozy embrace of the sheets each morning. 

The fully stocked kitchen was a great convenience, perfect for preparing a warm meal and spending a quiet night inside. The villa’s thoughtful design and luxurious amenities truly made my stay memorable. 

Hotel

Tanglewood Resort provides a range of relaxing accommodations with options for stunning views of Lake Texoma and private balconies. Each guest room is equipped with modern comforts to ensure a pleasant stay:

Room Amenities:

• King or double queen beds
• Microwave
• Mini-fridge
• Flat-screen TV

The rooms are located within the main resort complex and conveniently close to dining options such as the Tanglewood Bar & Grill and Lakeside Restaurant. Guests can easily access recreational facilities and the iconic Tower Whiskey Bar.

Tanglewood Bar & Grill

At Tanglewood Bar & Grill, you can enjoy a relaxed dining experience for lunch, dinner, or simply wind down with a cocktail. Whether you choose to dine by the pool, gather around the outdoor fire pits that double as tables, or cozy up inside by the fireplace during cooler weather, the setting is always inviting.

The menu offers delicious options like the Cowboy Burger, Southern Chicken Salad and Turkey Pesto Sandwich. For appetizers, don’t miss the Deep Fried Pickles, Beer Battered Onion Rings and Wings Your Way.

I attended the Back to School Luau for a Cause on Aug. 10. The Hawaiian buffet was exceptional, with highlights such as tangy pulled pork, macaroni salad, corn on the cob, and refreshing fruit skewers.

The buffet’s variety and flavor showcased the kitchen’s versatility to adapt menus for special events. We enjoyed a great view of the pool and sports on TV, complemented by attentive service that enhanced our meal.

Championship Golf Course

Tanglewood Resort’s 18-hole championship golf course, designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer and acclaimed architect Ralph Plummer, spans 7,000 yards of challenging and scenic terrain. The course features lush Bermuda fairways and eco-friendly Zoysia greens, offering a stimulating test for golfers of all levels. The layout is well-maintained and provides an enjoyable experience with its strategically placed trees and breathtaking vistas.

The pro shop staff are knowledgeable and friendly, ready to help with premium equipment and apparel to enhance your game. After your round or practice session, head to the 19th Hole Grill, conveniently located in the Golf Shop, where you can enjoy a delicious meal and unwind.

Pickleball Courts

As the weather cools, participate in America’s fastest-growing sport at Tanglewood Resort’s newly renovated pickleball courts in the Racquet Center. There are 8 state-of-the-art courts, and guests of the Tanglewood Resort Hotel can book pickleball slots at no extra cost. 

Lakeside Restaurant

Lakeside Restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience with stunning views of Lake Texoma and also features a full-service bar, showcasing some of the finest wines in North Texas. Large glass windows frame the restaurant, providing panoramic vistas that are especially enchanting at sunset. The spacious dining area enhances the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Guests can enjoy various dishes, including expertly prepared steaks, fresh seafood, and mouthwatering pasta. I ordered the Fettuccine Alfredo, which turned out to be an excellent decision. The dish featured a rich sauce enveloped with perfectly cooked fettuccine, complemented by tender asparagus and served with crispy garlic bread.

The restaurant also serves breakfast, offering omelets, pancakes, burritos and avocado toast. I opted for pancakes, which did not disappoint. There was something special about starting my morning enjoying a delicious breakfast with an amazing view of the Lake Texoma skies.

Lakeside Lounge

Adjacent to Lakeside Restaurant, Lakeside Lounge transports you to a nostalgic speakeasy era with its intimate and charming ambiance. Relax in the comfortable, hidden setting while enjoying a meticulously crafted cocktail or a selection from the curated bar.  The inviting decor and laid-back atmosphere make Lakeside Lounge ideal for intimate conversations and unwinding after a long day.

Lighthouse Tower

Just celebrating its 50th anniversary, The Lighthouse Tower is a landmark at Tanglewood Resort, offering unparalleled views of the lake. Perched on the eighth floor of the historic tower, the Tower Whiskey Bar has become a premier spot for live music every weekend. 

In addition to the whiskey bar, the tower has six themed suites on its lower floors, available for private events and stays. The full-service bar and observation deck, featuring large panoramic windows, create the perfect atmosphere for unwinding while watching the sunset over Lake Texoma.

The Pools

Tanglewood Resort boasts three newly renovated, heated, three-tiered pools designed for relaxation and enjoyment. The expansive outdoor deck, adjacent to the two lower pools, provides ample space for al fresco dining and is complemented by a new stage for live music performances.

On the top tier, you’ll find a large outdoor hot tub surrounded by comfortable sofas and fire pit tables, offering a cushy retreat just outside the pool gates. A newly built pool slide has quickly become a favorite among children.

The resort features a brand-new indoor pool for year-round swimming. This facility includes three full-size swim lanes, a 4-foot-deep kids’ area, and an additional hot tub. A movie projector adds extra fun, allowing guests to enjoy films while swimming. The new Tiki Bar conveniently services both the indoor and outdoor pools, ensuring that guests can easily access snacks and beverages without leaving their lounge chairs.

Game Room

After a refreshing dip in the pool, families and guests can enjoy some fun and games in the newly renovated game room. This lively space features a variety of activities to entertain all ages, including a pool table, foosball, ping pong, and classic arcade games like Pac-Man. The game room is a perfect spot for friendly competition and family bonding.

Wellness Activities

Tanglewood Resort offers a variety of wellness activities to keep guests refreshed and relaxed during their stay. Daily yoga and Pilates classes are available at no extra charge in the serene Texoma Room. These sessions last about an hour and provide a great way to start the day with invigorating stretches and mindful movements. Classes are free for members and guests.

Additionally, water aerobics classes, held every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in the outdoor pool, offer a lively and refreshing way to stay active. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, these classes are moved to the indoor pool, ensuring a consistent workout routine.

Lake Texoma

No visit to Tanglewood is complete without exploring the expansive Lake Texoma, offering a range of water-based activities. The front desk staff can assist with planning various experiences, including lake cruises, horseback riding, boating and fishing.

Formed in 1944, Lake Texoma is one of the largest reservoirs in the country, attracting over 6 million visitors annually. It features miles of hiking and biking trails, providing an excellent opportunity to connect with nature and spot local wildlife. Lake Texoma is particularly popular among fishing enthusiasts, as it is renowned for abundant populations of striped bass, blue catfish and largemouth bass. 

One top recommendation is a lake tour with Fastrac Cruises. Board the Mellow Yellow and enjoy a 90-minute narrated tour that includes intriguing facts and the history of Lake Texoma while taking in breathtaking views. The highlight of my tour was admiring the multi-million dollar homes along the shoreline. The refreshing, cool breeze on your face adds to the experience.

Start Planning Today

With its exceptional amenities, Tanglewood Resort is an ideal destination for anyone seeking a memorable getaway. Fall presents a perfect opportunity to explore the natural beauty and attractions surrounding Lake Texoma. Book your stay today and immerse yourself in the luxury and charm of Tanglewood Resort.

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Cover photo courtesy of Tanglewood Resort

Sara Aguinaga is a dedicated massage therapist and editorial contributor at Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She loves indulging in spa treatments, exploring diverse cuisines, and traveling. Follow her on Instagram @sweetsaraadventures